…As Gov Dapo Abiodun presents staff of office
The Ogun State Government has reiterated its call for traditional rulers across the state to take an active role in the fight against land grabbing, ensuring that adequate measures are in place to tackle this crime and other related unlawful activities within their territories.
This call was made by Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun during the official installation and presentation of the staff of office to Oba Oladele Najeem Odugbemi as the Onilisa of Lisa Kingdom in Lisa town, Ifo Local Government Area of the state. The governor was represented at the event by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hazmat.
The commissioner conveyed that the state government firmly opposes land grabbing and condemns any involvement by traditional rulers in such illicit activities. He underscored that the Land Grabbing Prohibition Law remains in effect, and it specifically prohibits the unlawful appropriation of land or the allocation of land for personal gain without the proper approval of relevant authorities.
Congratulating the people of Lisa for their patience and resilience during the period when the Onilisa title was held as a Baaleship, Hon. Hazmat encouraged them to focus on the collective welfare of the community now that the title has been upgraded to that of an Oba.
“As an administration, we regard today’s ceremony as a clear example of our commitment to placing Ogun State in its rightful position among others. We recognise the importance of traditional institutions and their leadership, as they serve as essential links between the grassroots and the government. That is why it is a priority for us to reposition our traditional institutions by upgrading deserving chieftaincy stools in Ogun State. The installation of Oba Oladele Najeem Odugbemi today is a symbolic step towards achieving this goal,” the commissioner stated.
He continued, “I take this opportunity to call on our new Kabiyesi: by your appointment as the Onilisa of Lisa, you have become the guardian of Lisa’s culture and traditions. Your loyalty to your ancestral home and to the leadership of Kabiyesi Alayeluwa, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, should remain unwavering.”
Hon. Hazmat also encouraged Oba Odugbemi to continue fostering peaceful relations with other royal fathers in Egbaland to meet the expectations placed upon him by both the Ogun State government and the people of Lisa. He urged the community to provide the necessary support for their new monarch to drive the development of the area.
The commissioner stressed that, as a developing community, it is crucial for everyone to work together to ensure the rapid and sustainable development of Lisa and its surrounding regions.
Hon. Hazmat also commended the role played by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in recommending Oba Odugbemi for the Onilisa stool, noting that Egbaland had undergone significant transformation. He expressed hope that Oba Adedotun’s continued reign would bring further prosperity to both Egbaland and Ogun State as a whole.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Oladele Najeem Odugbemi expressed his deep gratitude to the state government for recognising the Lisa community and acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Hon. Ganiyu Hazmat, in making the installation ceremony a reality.
Oba Odugbemi also extended his thanks to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, for recommending him to the state government for the Onilisa stool.
The newly installed monarch pledged his unwavering support for the development of Lisa and Ogun State, vowing to protect and uphold the traditional institution. He called on the people of Lisa to continue fostering peaceful co-existence within the community and committed to pushing forward various developmental projects aimed at improving the lives of his people.
